JASPER — It was a great 2016-2017 sports season for Hamilton County. There were stunning victories, clutch performances, displays of power, and impressive individual accomplishments. 

Here’s a look at the top 10 sports moments and achievements from the past school year — August 2016 to May 2017. 

10. Jones leads comeback against Suwannee

Playing in front of more than 1,000 fans, the Hamilton County boys basketball team overcame a 12-point deficit to defeat Suwannee on Dec. 3.

Javiel Jones’ 3-pointer with under two minutes left was the big shot in the game — bringing his team and the crowd to its feet — as HCHS grabbed the lead and went on to a 68-64 win.   

 9. Bryant’s clutch free throws seal victory against Lafayette

The HCHS girls basketball team played four intense and competitive games with Lafayette.

The Trojans won two of those games, including a 54-53 thriller on Jan. 17 for Senior Night. Monique Bryant made all four of her free throws in the final minute to guide Hamilton County to victory.

8. Trojans top Hornets in overtime to reach district basketball championship

Hamilton County faced plenty of challenges the entire season. The Trojans still managed to reach the district title game and the state playoffs.

They got there by defeating Lafayette in overtime on Feb. 7 in a district semifinal. Jones led the way offensively and Tony Stockton gave a key performance in OT to lead Hamilton County to the win.     

7. HCHS volleyball wins at Suwannee for first time

The Hamilton County volleyball team made history by winning for the first time in school history at Suwannee High School.

On Sept. 15, Tori Troy, Boyianna Neil and Diane Carter led a huge comeback as HCHS rallied from two sets down to defeat SHS 3-2.

6. Zamora’s walk off single vs. Branford

The Trojans baseball team needed a spark in the middle of the season. They got it with Javy Zamora’s walk-off hit against Branford on March 27.

Zamora gave his team an extra-inning win and the Trojans went on to win nine of their last 11 games.    

 5. Hamilton County softball shocks Lafayette

Hamilton County pulled off a huge upset by defeating Lafayette 12-11 on April 4. 

It was the first district loss for the LHS softball team since 2011. 

Every player in the HCHS lineup reached base in the game. Kiki Alford scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh.

4. Bryant takes regional long jump title for second consecutive season 

For the second consecutive year, Bryant won the regional title in long jump. She went on to place fifth in the state tournament. 

3. Trojans football players named to all-state teams

Three Trojans were recognized for their accomplishments on the football field by making the all-state team. 

Fabian Reid was named to the Second team while Jones and Melvin Brown were honorable mentions.     

2. College signings

Four HCHS student-athletes signed LOI’s to play college sports.

Reid (Shorter University) and Mohammad Iqbal (Elmhurst College) will play college football. Bryant is headed to Florida State College of Jacksonville to play basketball. Manny Aldama will play soccer at Truett McConnell University. 

1. HCHS football beats Lafayette to reach playoffs

With a spot in the playoff on the line, Hamilton County used its power — on offense and defense — to defeat Lafayette 17-0 on Oct. 28.

The Trojans’ defense gave up less than 100 total yards to the Hornets.

On offense, the Trojans pounded the ball 51 times on the ground to control the action in the winner-take-all game.